Nine Places to Experience Jamaica in North America

The one dreadful part in every vacation is the moment you realize it’s time to head home. This is especially true when your holiday consists of beaches, dazzling sunsets and practically living in paradise (aka Jamaica). But worry not—we’ve rounded up a list of the best ways to experience Jamaica if you live in North America.

Atlanta, GA

Negril VillageInside a renovated 1907 firehouse in Atlanta’s buzzing Midtown neighborhood, Negril Village has live music on Fridays and popular weekend brunches with unlimited rum punches.

Pasion del Cielo CoffeeCoffee is a pretty big deal in Miami, and while most local cafés serve cafecitos and cafés con leche with a Cuban flair, Pasion del Cielo also has beans from one of our favorite providers, Jamaica Blue Mountain. Can you guess what we ordered?

California Roots Music & Arts FestivalThe California Roots Music and Art Festival is an annual two-day music and art festival that celebrates reggae and roots music. This year’s May 27-29th lineup includes Protoje, Barrington Levy, and Damian and Stephen Marley.

Pearl’sThis newly opened Jamaican and Trinidadian fusion restaurant in Williamsburg is quickly becoming a caribbean hotspot in Brooklyn. The menu includes small plates such as jerk chicken in bake, conch and dumplings, and during warmer months, patrons can enjoy their meals in the backyard patio.

Deadly Dragon Sound SystemSelectors Scratch Famous, JD, Queen Majesty and Mr. K came together to form Deadly Dragon Sound System and record shop in 1995. The group later opened a record shop in NYC, and it’s a goldmine for every reggae music lover.

The Real Jerk RestaurantThe Real Jerk is a Jamaican restaurant and bar in Toronto that has been a mainstay in the East End neighborhood for nearly 30 years. It’s got a flashy exterior and an authentic Caribbean menu, but reached a new level of fame this spring after Rihanna and Drake featured it in the music video to their megahit “Work.”

Toronto Caribbean CarnivalThe annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, is one of the largest Caribbean festivals in North America. Look out for the Jamaican flags, bottles of Ting (the grapefruit soft drink) and the lavish costumes worn by many.